When was the last time you went to a dentist? Did you know there are 8 things your dentist absolutely wants you to know? Read on to learn more.
1. Our mouths get incredibly dirty.
Even if you take really good care of your mouth, it’s always full of bacteria that is trying to eat at your teeth. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly for a dental check-up and a dental clean-up!
2. Plaque is a super-sticky biofilm that coats all the surfaces of your teeth with bacteria.
This plaque is on the sides, front, back, in between, and even under the gum line. Even if your teeth feel clean, they aren’t. The best way to keep the plaque at bay is to brush and floss every day, preferably after every meal.
3. Bacteria grows faster in a dry mouth.
Saliva is super important for keeping your teeth clean from the bacteria that cause cavities. Saliva washes away food particles and also has antibacterial properties, helps restore and repair your teeth, and neutralizes the acid that can eat your enamel. If you have dry mouth, you need to address it. Drink lots of water, and if you have to, use saliva-increasing toothpastes and rinses.
4. Always floss and brush in the morning.
Plaque grows on your teeth overnight, even if you wake up and your teeth feel really clean. This is what causes morning breath. It’s especially important to brush in the morning if you’re a mouth breather. You can wait until after breakfast to brush and floss, but always find the time.
5. You can only get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing.
If you don’t, it will sit on your teeth forever.
6. Tartar is extremely hard to remove.
Tartar is plaque that stayed and turned into a really hard, white coating that only your dentist can get off your teeth. This is the price of not brushing and flossing. Tartar is so hard, your dentist needs special tools to remove it.
7. Brushing your teeth too hard can cause receded gums.
Although brushing your teeth hard might make you feel like you’re cleaning your teeth better, it wears away your teeth and gums. Use a soft toothbrush and go in gentle circles.
8. Starchy and sugary food feeds the bacteria that causes cavities.
When these foods are metabolized, they become an acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. Try to reduce your intake of sweet and starchy foods (and this includes too many fruits). Dairy is a good choice for a snack since it rinses away easily.
